Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7
66 Imaging
36 Features
37 Overall
36


91 Imaging
35 Features
33 Overall
34
Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 64 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 540g - 124 x 85 x 105mm
- Released July 2010
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
- 218g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
- Launched July 2011
- Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ10
- Renewed by Panasonic ZS8

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Overview
In this article, we will be matching up the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Kodak and Panasonic. The image resolution of the Z981 (14MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is relatively comparable and they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The Z981 was unveiled 12 months prior to the ZS7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Kodak Z981 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.
Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the Z981 matches up versus the ZS7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Kodak EasyShare Z981 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The full galleries are provided at Kodak Z981 Gallery and Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Kodak Z981 over the Panasonic ZS7
Z981 | ZS7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus |
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS7 over the Kodak Z981
ZS7 | Z981 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | July 2011 | ![]() | July 2010 | More recent by 12 months |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 201k | Crisper screen (+259k dot) |
Common features in the Kodak Z981 and Panasonic ZS7
Z981 | ZS7 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Absent Touch screen |
Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Physical Comparison
If you're looking to lug around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Kodak Z981 features outside dimensions of 124mm x 85mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS7 has dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).
Check out the Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the Z981 and the ZS7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the Z981 and ZS7 is 66 and 91 respectively.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing technical specs. The photograph underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the Z981 and ZS7.
As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Kodak Z981 to produce greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older Z981 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Kodak Z981 vs Panasonic ZS7 Specifications
Kodak EasyShare Z981 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Kodak | Panasonic |
Model | Kodak EasyShare Z981 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 |
Also called | - | Lumix DMC-TZ10 |
Class | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2010-07-06 | 2011-07-19 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 64 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | - | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 26-676mm (26.0x) | 25-300mm (12.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.8-5.0 | f/3.3-4.9 |
Macro focus distance | 10cm | 3cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 201 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 16 secs | 60 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 6.20 m | 5.30 m |
Flash settings | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | H.264 | AVCHD Lite |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 540 grams (1.19 lbs) | 218 grams (0.48 lbs) |
Dimensions | 124 x 85 x 105mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.1") | 103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery model | 4 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $299 | $350 |